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Government Faces Backlash After Notice of ‘Low’ Subsidy Raise for Civil Servants

Government Faces Backlash After Notice of ‘Low’ Subsidy Raise for Civil Servants
FILE: woman holding LAK cash (photo: Freepik)

The Lao government announced an increase in extra monthly subsidy by LAK 150,000 (USD 7.15)  for civil servants, including soldiers, police officers, retired employees, and disabled individuals. The notice, released on 15 March, swiftly sparked backlash, with many deeming the increase to be exceedingly negligible.

Hong Kong tmtplaza Blends Artistic Elements Creating a 7-Meter-Tall Giant Easter Egg and 18 Oversized Easter Eggs

Unleashing an Exciting Easter Holiday


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 March 2024 – This Easter, tmtplaza, under the Hong Kong Sino Group, has become a hotspot for holiday activities, blending art and illustration elements to present a series of exciting events, allowing everyone to experience the unique atmosphere of Easter in Hong Kong!

tmtplaza collaborated with illustrator Isabel Tong to combine elements of Tuen Mun with a whimsical and humorous style, creating a 7-meter tall inflatable Easter egg to spread joy during the festival.
tmtplaza collaborated with illustrator Isabel Tong to combine elements of Tuen Mun with a whimsical and humorous style, creating a 7-meter tall inflatable Easter egg to spread joy during the festival.

tmtplaza has collaborated with local illustrator Isabel Tong to create a 7-meter-tall inflatable Easter egg. With her signature whimsical and humorous art style, vibrant colors, and integration of Tuen Mun elements, the egg showcases various landmarks, including the tmtplaza shopping mall, the picturesque Gold Coast Hotel and Dolphin Square, the revered Tin Hau Temple, and the Tuen Mun Chek Lap Kwok Tunnel Road connecting the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau area. This initiative aims to deepen the understanding and appreciation of Tuen Mun among both local residents and visitors.

Furthermore, tmtplaza has partnered with six primary schools in the Tuen Mun district for community collaboration, supporting students’ artistic development. A total of 600 students participated in the design process, and 18 outstanding artworks has been transformed into 1.8-meter-tall Easter eggs, which are displayed on the third floor of tmtplaza, showcasing students’ creative imagination.

tmtplaza encourages artistic development by showcasing 18 outstanding enlarged Easter egg created by primary school students from Tuen Mun District in the
tmtplaza encourages artistic development by showcasing 18 outstanding enlarged Easter egg created by primary school students from Tuen Mun District in the “Easter Egg Art Gallery”

In addition to the artistic elements, during the four-day Easter holiday from 29th March to 1st April, tmtplaza will host a large-scale anime toy event and an egg-hunting challenge, among other traditional holiday games. These activities aim to bring joy and a sense of childlike wonder to both adults and children, providing a wonderful holiday experience for residents and visitors alike!

Hashtag: #tmtplaza

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WOW Summit Hong Kong VIP and Business Networking Tickets Selling Fast


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 March 2024 – WOW Summit is a leading global Web3 event that unites distinguished industry titans, esteemed government officials, visionary funds, venture capitalists, NFT and digital artists, entrepreneurs, and multinational corporations. The Summit drives the innovative trajectory of Web3, covering cutting-edge trends and innovations in technology. It explores themes including the Web2 – Web3 transition, CBDCs, regulatory landscapes, asset tokenization, and the societal impact of blockchain and DLT technologies.

WOW Summit Hong Kong
WOW Summit Hong Kong

The event, set to take place on March 26 and 27 at AsiaWorld Expo, Hong Kong, promises to be a groundbreaking convergence of industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries in the world of cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and digital assets.

The list of esteemed speakers includes Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, The Government of Hong Kong SAR; John Cahill, COO, Asia, Galaxy Digital; Stacey-Ann Pearson, Head of Web3 – APAC, AWS; Dr. Sameer Al Ansari, CEO – RAK Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO); Bugra Celik, Director, Digital Assets, Global Private Banking & Wealth Director HSBC; Stefan Rust, Founder, Truflation; Michael Lau, SVP, Global Head of Sales at Bullish; Lennix Lai, Managing Director, OKX; Kevin Lee, CEO, Gate.HK; Neil Tan, Chairman, FinTech Association of Hong Kong; Ben Caselin, CMO, VALR; Angelina Kwan, CEO, Stratford Finance Limited.

Attention business leaders, decision-makers, C-suite executives, thought leaders, and networking enthusiasts – WOW Summit Hong Kong VIP and Business Networking tickets are selling out quickly. This is the last chance to enhance connections and access exclusive benefits.

Unparalleled networking opportunities await:

VIP Ticket – US$ 2499

  • Access to both the exhibition and conference areas
  • Premium networking app access for maximized connections
  • Connect with all attendees, including speakers and VIPs, through the app
  • VIP lounge access, speaker lounge access, and dedicated coffee break area
  • VIP lunch experience
  • Pre-event VIP dinner invitation on March 25th
  • Exclusive VIP cocktail reception on March 26th
  • VIP closing party ticket on March 27th

Business Networking Ticket – US$ 499

  • Access to both the exhibition and conference areas
  • Premium networking app access
  • Connect with all attendee categories, including speakers and VIPs, via the app
  • Closing party access

Last call to be part of an unparalleled networking experience. Secure the ticket today and join the WOW Summit Hong Kong.
Hashtag: #crypto #event #wowsummit #summit






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WOW Summit

WOW Summit Hong Kong aims to bridge the leading players in Web2 and Web3 space with the Global community, providing an exclusive platform for high-class networking, critical discussions, exploring lucrative business opportunities, and, of course, enjoying some memorable moments.

Australia’s Strategic Investments Propel Mekong Subregion Forward

Representative image

Laos is central to the economic development of the Mekong subregion. The ongoing expansion of basic infrastructure in Laos is a key national priority. This is why Australia has been working to support the implementation of Laos’ priorities for basic infrastructure, road maintenance, and land links with its neighbors for more than 30 years.

DFA Design for Asia Awards 2024


Unveiling Asian Design Brilliance for Global Recognition
International Submission Opens from April, Half Entry Fee until 30 April

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 March 2024 – As a renowned annual international event that inspires innovative solutions and fosters collaboration transcending boundaries, the “DFA Design for Asia Awards” (DFA DFAA) continues to honour and showcase Asia’s design excellence on the world stage. Online submissions for the 2024 edition will commence on 1 April 2024 (Hong Kong Time), inviting outstanding designs to participate and make an enduring influence across the design fields through honouring the excellent designs.

The DFA DFAA 2024 embraces a dynamic spectrum of the design industry by welcoming entries from 30 design categories spanning across 6 disciplines: Communication Design, Digital & Motion Design, Fashion & Accessory Design, Product & Industrial Design, Service & Experience Design, and Spatial Design. The DFA DFAA welcomes online submissions of all design projects that promulgate Asian values and perspectives worldwide. Entrants can enjoy 50% off on the entry fee by submitting entries on or before 30 April 2024 (Hong Kong Time).

“In the face of the constant flux of our world, where advancements and transformations occur at an unprecedented pace, design has become one of the key forces that navigates the complexities from within and brings innovative ideas to address the challenges of our rapidly evolving environment. Over the years, the “DFA Design for Asia Awards” has been a testament to the infinite creativity of the design community, sharing brilliant ideas that propel humanity forward with the world. Through the entries, we are eager to unleash the full potential of the vibrant designs for Asia and shape a future that is filled with boundless possibilities.”, said Prof. Eric Yim, Chairman of Hong Kong Design Centre.

Launched by Hong Kong Design Centre in 2003, with Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as the lead sponsor, the DFA DFAA has been globally acknowledged as an awards that aims to recognise outstanding projects embodying design excellence and benefiting the betterment of the design industry as well as Asia societies. To date, over 2,600 impactful design projects in Asia have been awarded under the DFA DFAA.

DFA Design for Asia Awards 2024 – Entry Details
Date : 1 April – 30 June 2024 (Hong Kong Time)
Entry fee : HK$2,200 per entry
Promotion : 50% off on the entry fee for submissions made on or before 30 April 2024 (Hong Kong Time)
Online Submission : https://dfaa.dfaawards.com/en/online_submission/


Calling for Award: Entries from 6 Design Disciplines:

(1) Communication Design

  • Identity & Branding
  • Packaging
  • Publication
  • Poster
  • Typography
  • Marketing Campaign
(2) Digital & Motion Design

  • Website
  • Apps
  • User Interface
  • Game
  • Video
(3) Fashion & Accessory Design

  • Fashion Apparel
  • Functional Apparel
  • Intimate Wear
  • Jewellery & Fashion Accessory
  • Footwear
(4) Product & Industrial Design

  • Household Appliance
  • Homeware
  • Mobility, Professional & Commercial Product
  • Information & Communications Technology Product
  • Leisure & Entertainment Product
(5) Service & Experience Design

  • Service Design
  • Experience Design
(6) Spatial Design

  • Residential Space
  • Hospitality & Leisure Space
  • Culture & Public Space
  • Commercial & Showroom Space
  • Workspace
  • Institutional Space
  • Event, Exhibition & Stage


Awards Structure

All design projects submitted will be assessed by an international judging panel comprised of world-leading design experts and professionals. The panel will determine the Grand, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit awards.

Entry Requirements
Design projects launched in one or more Asian markets# between 1 January 2022 and 31 May 2024 are eligible for submission by their design owners, clients, brand owners, designers or design consultancies.

# Asian markets include: Afghanistan / Bangladesh / Bhutan / Brunei Darussalam / Cambodia / Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) / Hong Kong / India / Indonesia / Islamic Republic of Iran / Japan / Kazakhstan / Korea / Kyrgyzstan / Laos / Macau / The Mainland / Malaysia / Maldives / Mongolia / Myanmar / Nepal / Pakistan / The Philippines / Singapore / Sri Lanka / Taiwan / Tajikistan / Thailand / Timor-Leste / Turkmenistan / Uzbekistan / Vietnam

Judging Criteria
The judging panel will assess each entry based on the criteria below (as applicable):
(1) Creativity and Human-centric Innovation
(2) Usability
(3) Aesthetic
(4) Sustainability
(5) Impact in Asia
(6) Commercial & Societal Success

Winners’ Entitlements & Exposure*:

  • Trophy & Certificate (certificates for Merit Award winners)
  • Awards Publication:
    Each winner will receive a complimentary copy of the DFA Awards publication, which introduces all the winning projects and the project teams behind them. The publication will also be disseminated to global industry leaders to enhance the winners’ exposure.
  • Exhibition & Online Showcase:
  • Awards presentation and other events:
    Winners will be invited to DFA Awards Presentation Ceremony and Business of Design Week (BODW) events to establish networks with international and local designers and business leaders. Selected winners will also be invited to speak at global and regional talks, forums or other events to increase their global exposure.
  • Awards Endorsement Mark:
    Winners will receive authorisation to use the globally recognised DFA DFAA Endorsement Mark for further promotion.

* A mandatory Publication and Promotion Fee applies to all winners

DFA Design for Asia Awards 2023 - Grand Award Winners
DFA Design for Asia Awards 2023 – Grand Award Winners

Learn more about our 2023 Awards winners:
https://dfaawards.viewingrooms.com/

Revisit the glorious moments – DFA Awards 2023’s Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR8dapIa83I

Visit our website and social media pages for more information:
Website : dfaa.dfaawards.com
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/HKDC.Awards
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dfa_awards/
WeChat : DFA 设计奖
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@dfaawards5572

Hashtag: #DFADFAA

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About DFA Design for Asia Awards (dfaa.dfaawards.com)

Since 2003, the “DFA Design for Asia Awards” honours design excellence and acknowledges user-centric design projects which embrace the unique Asian perspectives to enhance and improve the quality of life for people in the region. Organised by Hong Kong Design Centre as one of the five programmes of the “DFA Awards” which is supported by Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as the Lead Sponsor, the “DFA Design for Asia Awards” has been a platform for design talent and corporates to showcase their design projects internationally.

About Hong Kong Design Centre (www.hkdesigncentre.org)

Hong Kong Design Centre is a strategic partner of the Hong Kong SAR Government in leveraging the city’s East-meets-West advantage to create value from design.

To achieve our goals we:

  • Cultivate a design culture
  • Bridge stakeholders to opportunities that unleash the value of design
  • Promote excellence in various design disciplines

About Create Hong Kong (www.createhk.gov.hk)

Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) is a dedicated office set up by the HKSAR Government in June 2009 to spearhead the development of creative industries in Hong Kong. From 1 July 2022 onwards, it is under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community. CreateHK sponsors Hong Kong Design Centre to organise ‘DFA Awards’ and other projects to promote Hong Kong design.

Disclaimer: Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Pre-Olympic Event Builds Excitement for Paris 2024

Photo supplied by the French Embassy in Laos.

Ahead of the much-anticipated opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on 26 July and Paralympic Games on 28 August, the French Embassy in Laos organized a sports event in the garden of the French Institute.

This gathering brought together participants from Laos, ASEAN countries, and France, creating a welcoming atmosphere centered around various sports activities including pétanque, badminton, ping pong, archery, basketball, and a boxing show by Lao athlete Daomayuly Chanthilath.

The pétanque contest, featuring teams from the French Embassy, the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of Health, and the Lao Rugby Federation, ended in a victory for the representatives of the Ministry of Education and Sports.

French Ambassador in Laos, Siv-Leng Chhuor, and Vice-Minister of Education and Sports, Kingmano Phommahaxay, inaugurated the event, stressing the importance of inclusion, equality, respect, and team spirit that sports merge into a universal language. Ambassador Chhuor highlighted France’s commitment to fostering human exchanges between Lao and French youths, particularly through education and sports initiatives. 

Also, as Laos assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in 2024, the event saw the presence of several representatives from ASEAN countries, joining hands in celebrating friendship and camaraderie through the practice of popular sports in Laos and the region.

The event in Vientiane is part of the global initiative “Relay around the world,” spearheaded by Paris 2024 and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on 14 March. This initiative orchestrated a 24-hour sport relay across five continents, engaging more than 18,000 participants and 176 athletes who showcased 55 different sports throughout the day.

During the Olympic Games in Paris, millions of fans will enjoy 41 sports, including new ones like breaking and skateboarding. The goal is to be inclusive, fair, and focus on young athletes, according to the official website of the event. Paris 2024 also wants to make a positive impact on the environment and leave a lasting legacy. Athletes are at the heart of it all, promising an amazing experience. Famous landmarks in Paris will turn into sports arenas, making it a unique event.

Buy996.com: Revolutionary Platform for Brand Loyalty and Customer Rewards

Amidst growing competition in Southeast Asia’s e-commerce landscape, Buy996.com emerges as a game-changer for brands seeking innovative loyalty solutions.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 March 2024 – In a time where customer loyalty is the battleground for brands across Southeast Asia, Buy996.com introduces a transformative approach to loyalty and rewards programs. Spearheaded by a seasoned collective of e-commerce and digital marketing experts, this platform aims to innovate upon the worn-out strategies of customer engagement and retention.

With its launch, Buy996.com has positioned itself as an innovator in the retention marketing industry. By offering a wide variety of unique products, the platform caters to brands looking to elevate their customer rewards schemes beyond conventional boundaries. From personalised digital offerings to exclusive campaigns, Buy996.com enables brands to engage their customers in more meaningful and impactful ways.

The essence of Buy996.com lies in its unique ability to serve as an external rewards program for brands. This not only allows businesses to offer special rewards to their loyal customers without significant investments in technology but also simplifies the process of creating and managing brand-exclusive digital campaigns. The platform’s versatility and user-friendliness make it an ideal partner for brands aiming to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

By adopting a hybrid direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales model in its initial phase, Buy996.com showcases its commitment to building a strong community connection. This approach ensures that the platform remains agile, capable of swiftly adapting to changing market trends and consumer preferences. It underscores Buy996.com’s dedication to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, setting new standards in the e-commerce loyalty space.

“A key objective for us at Buy996.com is to create a symbiotic environment where brands can effortlessly reward their loyal customers, thereby strengthening bonds and enhancing overall brand loyalty,” Thomas Leong, CEO and spokesperson for the Buy996 team remarked.

“Our platform’s flexibility and focus on digital innovation enable us to offer unique shopping and rewards experiences that benefit both brands and their customers,” he added.

As the loyalty market in Southeast Asia continues to expand, Buy996.com is strategically equipped to lead this growth, offering a pioneering solution that addresses the evolving needs of brands and consumers alike. With a vision to become the preferred partner for brands seeking to innovate their loyalty programs, Buy996.com is not just an e-commerce platform but a comprehensive loyalty ecosystem.

Discover how Buy996.com can transform your brand’s approach to customer loyalty and rewards. Explore the platform and start creating more meaningful connections with your customers today. Visit www.buy996.com for more details.

Hashtag: #eCommerce #LoyaltyMarketing




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About Buy996.com

Buy996.com is a premier lifestyle e-commerce platform offering a curated selection of high-quality products across various categories, including fashion, electronics, home essentials, beauty, and wellness. With a focus on delivering exceptional value to customers, Buy996.com provides innovative third-party loyalty marketing services, partnering with leading brands to offer exclusive deals, discounts, and rewards.

SIBUR attends Geneva roundtable, discusses projects to reduce plastic pollution


GENEVA, RUSSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 March 2024 – Representatives of SIBUR, Russia’s largest producer of polymers and rubbers, attended the Ecumene roundtable in Geneva where they discussed the company’s advanced initiatives in the circular economy and the mitigation of its climate impact.

The discussion took place in advance of an upcoming United Nations discussion on a legally binding global agreement to combat plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, scheduled for April 2024 in Ottawa, Canada.

Maxim Remchukov, SIBUR’s Director for Sustainable Development, called polymer waste recycling an important part of the company’s sustainability strategy. Under its Vivilen brand, SIBUR produces a range of polymers containing recycled plastic for various applications: food (rPET), non-food (rPO) and home decor (rPS). This initiative helps keep around 1.7 billion plastic bottls per year out of landfills. SIBUR also recycles polystyrene packaging and canisters made of low-density polyethylene.

SIBUR is implementing a number of plastic collection and recycling projects in collaboration with various partners in its regions of operations. The company supports plastic waste collection at marathons as well as football and basketball matches, and it even produces eco-friendly basketballs from recycled plastic.

The Russian government is also concerned about the environment and last year mandated that plastic-packaging manufacturers either recycle their packaging or pay a special environmental fee. Discussions are also under way regarding a ban on certain types of plastic packaging.

Remchukov noted that opportunities for recycling mechanical plastic waste were limited, depending on the quality of the material and how clean it is, whereas chemical recycling (thermolysis) has enormous potential, he said. This process converts complex and difficult-to-recycle packaging waste into hydrocarbon raw materials, which are then used to produce primary polymers. SIBUR is considering launching a pilot thermolysis plant.

The company is also a leader when it comes to the climate agenda. According to the Russian Carbon Unit Registry, SIBUR has one of the largest portfolios of climate projects among the Russian companies. SIBUR’s climate projects are set to reduce CO2 emissions by over 6 million tons by the end of 2032. The company plans to sell the carbon units obtained through their implementation in Russian and international markets.

Polymer waste recycling also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing the volume of waste sent to landfills and the amount of primary raw materials used for production, which are replaced in part by recycled materials.

Hashtag: #SIBUR

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For Editors:

SIBUR is Russia’s largest producer of polymers and rubbers. The Company’s unique vertically integrated business model enables it to deliver highly competitive products used in the consumer goods and automotive industries, as well as construction, energy, chemistry and other industries across 100 countries.

SIBUR helps to reduce CO2 emissions stemming from the burning of oil and gas extraction by-products by processing them into valuable petrochemical products.
Learn more at: